18 May 2014

The Sunday post # 20

I've been a bit quiet on the blogging front this week. It's been a really busy week, I've had a lot of work to do for my dissertation, and one of my closest friends came to stay for three days, so the last thing I wanted to do was sit at a computer working. We've had such glorious sunshine for most of the week, and especially this weekend, that I really just wanted to enjoy the sunshine and warmth. I think it's good to get a few days break sometimes and concentrate on offline priorities. On Wednesday, my friend and I popped into Nottingham last minute, after I realised I'd messed up with my diary and wouldn't make my original plan for the day; a tattoo session in Derby. Having never been to Nottingham before, I couldn't wait to show my friend my favourite shops, and we indulged in some delicious food along the way. Nottingham really is my most favourite place to shop, I love it! How has the past week been for you? Yesterday I got my 'blogging mojo' back, and I took a ton of photos and prepared lots of posts ready for the week ahead. I'm really excited for posts going live this week, including Challenge Four of the Weight Watchers #StepintoSummer Campaign, an exciting beauty haul as well as some fab subscription boxes and gorgeous makeup reviews!

On Monday I headed along to what must be the most entertaining and exciting beauty event I've been to yet, for the launch of Benefit'snewThey're Real! Push-up Liner. I absolutely love the way Benefit approach their product releases and campaigns, and Monday saw me sitting in a mock-jail waiting room just off of Leicester Square in London, to hear all about the #CriminallyEasy and innovative new Push-up Liner. Even better? They had (rather attractive) prison guards making tea! Perfect. It was so lovely to see more behind-the-scenes work from Benefit, including a short video on the five long years They're Real! Push-up Liner has taken to create, it was fascinating to watch. I gave the liner a try on the day, and it was incredibly easy to use (even with half of the Benefit team stood watching me, making me nervous!) I can't wait to give it a proper go, alongside another new product, They're Real! Remover, which has been created especially for removing both Benefit They're Real! Mascara (LookFantastic, £19.50) and Benefit They're Real! Push-up Liner. Keep an eye out for my full review, plus release information, coming soon!

iMats is drawing closer, and I'm really excited. Are you going? I was meant to go last year on the Saturday, but in the end I couldn't go. This year I'm really excited to finally see what all the fuss is about, as so many people rave about iMats and it's huge in American, with my favourite YouTubers always making guest appearances! I love the idea of getting some incredible makeup brands, at super cheap bargain prices - who wouldn't! I'll be heading straight for theNARS counter...

Today I'm off for a BBQ to celebrate my little brother's 15th birthday. It's always funny how when birthdays come around, you gain perspective over how quickly time passes. I still remember the day he was born, and he's growing up far faster than I'd like. I'm going to enjoy the sunshine, dressing casual and dosing up on the SPF. I've picked sheer black tights, a high-waisted skater skirt and the super pretty Barbour Cream Avalon Polo Shirt (Barbour*, £34.95) which has a more feminine touch than I'd usually go for, with delicate tiny roses in pale rose and cream. Usually I would have strayed away from this style of top, but since having lost weight, I find they actually suit me! The style fits my new, slightly-slimmer shape and curves perfectly, it doesn't feel snug or tight (I got a size 14), and the fabric feels as soft as silk. Perfect for a sunny spring day. Rayban Wayfarer Sunglasses (Very, £112), hair up and I'm set to go.

Seeing as we've had such beautiful weather, I'm indulging in two of my favourite beauty products today that I usually reserve for 'special occasions'. Kiehl's Creme de Corps (Selfridges, 125ml, £16)is one of my top rated body moisturisers, leaving my skin feeling beautifully soft, hydrated and with the most beautiful subtle scent, all whilst being simple and effective. I'm also indulging in one of my favourite fragrances which I added to my collection last summer after reading several rave reviews, Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess (HouseofFraser, 100ml, £47) Basically, Bronze Goddess is like holiday in a bottle, and on a hot day it's completely irresistible and always my first pick. The fragrance is enticing yet sensuous and elegant at the same time; Bergamot, Warm Amber, Tiare Flower, and the most delicious scent of creamy Coconut you will ever find! What's your favourite indulgent summer fragrance?

Thanks for stopping by! If you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them here. I try to respond to comments as quickly as possible, but if you have an urgent question feel free to tweet me @TattooedTealady!